The latter two are charged with trying to murder members of the PSNI on Belfast's Crumlin Road on 5 December.

All three are also charged with conspiracy to possess firearms and explosives with intent to endanger life, conspiring to murder and belonging to a proscribed organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army.

Mr McCrory and Mr Fitzsimons were both charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on 5 December in Belfast.

None of the defendants applied for bail. All three were remanded in custody until 14 January.

In the attack on police on 5 December, two police vehicles were hit by gunfire from assault rifles.

Mr Duffy gave a thumbs up sign to supporters who cheered from the public gallery as the three men were led away.